The Effect of Donor Human Milk Fortification on The Adhesion of Probiotics In Vitro

Bifidobacterium and the intestinal mucus layer

Bifidobacterium species are integral members of the human gut microbiota and these microbes have significant interactions with the intestinal mucus layer. This review delves into Bifidobacterium-mucus dynamics, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of this relationship. We cover conserved features of Bifidobacterium-mucus interactions, such as mucus adhesion and positive regulation of goblet cell and mucus production, as well as species and strain-specific attributes of mucus degradation. For each interface, we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and their potential implications for human health. Notably, we emphasize the ability of Bifidobacterium species to positively influence the mucus layer, shedding light on its potential as a mucin-builder and a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with disrupted mucus barriers. By elucidating the complex interplay between Bifidobacterium and intestinal mucus, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the gut microbiota-host interface and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Nanocoating of lactic acid bacteria: properties, protection mechanisms, and future trends

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a type of probiotic that may benefit intestinal health. Recent advances in nanoencapsulation provide an effective strategy to protect them from harsh conditions via surface functionalization coating techniques. Herein, the categories and features of applicable encapsulation methods are compared to highlight the significant role of nanoencapsulation. Commonly used food-grade biopolymers (polysaccharides and protein) and nanomaterials (nanocellulose and starch nanoparticles) are summarized along with their characteristics and advances to demonstrate enhanced combination effects in LAB co-encapsulation. Nanocoating for LAB provides an integrity dense or smooth layer attributed to the cross-linking and assembly of the protectant. The synergism of multiple chemical forces allows for the formation of subtle coatings, including electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic interactions, π-π, and metallic bonds. Multilayer shells have stable physical transition properties that could increase the space between the probiotic cells and the outer environment, thus delaying the microcapsules burst time in the gut. Probiotic delivery stability can be promoted by enhancing the thickness of the encapsulated layer and nanoparticle binding. Maintenance of benefits and minimization of nanotoxicity are desirable, and green synthesized nanoparticles are emerging. Future trends include optimized formulation, especially using biocompatible materials, protein or plant-based materials, and material modification.

Nutrients and Bioactive Components of Human Milk After One Year of Lactation: Implication for Human Milk Banks

OBJECTIVE

Specifying the nutrient content and bioactive compounds in milk from long-term lactation for the purpose of finding additional sources of donors' milk for human milk banks.

METHOD

Human milk samples were collected from 43 mothers of term infants (term infant human milk, TIHM) (3-6 weeks of lactation) and 50 mothers who have breastfed for over a year (long-nursing human milk, LNHM). The milk collection time was 24 hours. The analyses of fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content were performed with human milk analyzer MIRIS (Miris HMA™ ); lactoferrin and vitamin C content using high performance liquid chromatography in reversed phase (RP-HPLC); total antioxidant activity (TAC) and lysozyme by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) via spectrophotometric methods. Sociodemographic characteristics of both groups of mothers have been compiled.

RESULTS

Higher fat content and energy value was found in LNHM than in TIHM. Protein content in LNHM and TIHM did not differ. Carbohydrate content was lower in LNHM than in TIHM. TAC, CAT and GPx activity were higher in LNHM compared to TIHM. No significant differences in the content of lysozyme, lactoferrin and vitamin C between the studied groups were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that after 12 months of lactation, human milk still has significant nutritional value, does not lose bioactive components and can be considered for use in human milk banks.

Evaluation of the Function of Probiotics, Emphasizing the Role of their Binding to the Intestinal Epithelium in the Stability and their Effects on the Immune System

Due to the importance of using cost-effective methods for therapeutic purposes, the function of probiotics as safe microorganisms and the study of their relevant functional mechanisms have recently been in the spotlight. Finding the mechanisms of attachment and stability and their beneficial effects on the immune system can be useful in identifying and increasing the therapeutic effects of probiotics. In this review, the functional mechanisms of probiotics were comprehensively investigated. Relevant articles were searched in scientific sources, documents, and databases, including PubMed, NCBI, Bactibace, OptiBac, and Bagel4. The most important functional mechanisms of probiotics and their effects on strengthening the epithelial barrier, competitive inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, production of antimicrobials, binding and interaction with the host, and regulatory effects on the immune system were discussed.

In this regard, the attachment of probiotics to the epithelium is very important because the prerequisite for their proper functioning is to establish a proper connection to the epithelium. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the binding effect of probiotics, including sortase A, a significant factor involved in the expression of sortase-dependent proteins (SDP), on their surface as mediators of intestinal epithelial cell binding. In general, by investigating the functional mechanisms of probiotics, it was concluded that the mechanism by which probiotics regulate the immune system and adhesion capacity can directly and indirectly have preventive and therapeutic effects on a wide range of diseases. However, further study of these mechanisms requires extensive research on various aspects.

Polyphenol-Mediated Gut Microbiota Modulation: Toward Prebiotics and Further

The genome of gut microbes encodes a collection of enzymes whose metabolic functions contribute to the bioavailability and bioactivity of unabsorbed (poly)phenols. Datasets from high throughput sequencing, metabolome measurements, and other omics have expanded the understanding of the different modes of actions by which (poly)phenols modulate the microbiome conferring health benefits to the host. Progress have been made to identify direct prebiotic effects of (poly)phenols; albeit up to date, these compounds are not recognized as prebiotics sensu stricto. Interestingly, certain probiotics strains have an enzymatic repertoire, such as tannase, α-L-rhamnosidase, and phenolic acid reductase, involved in the transformation of different (poly)phenols into bioactive phenolic metabolites. In vivo studies have demonstrated that these (poly)phenol-transforming bacteria thrive when provided with phenolic substrates. However, other taxonomically distinct gut symbionts of which a phenolic-metabolizing activity has not been demonstrated are still significantly promoted by (poly)phenols. This is the case of Akkermansia muciniphila, a so-called antiobesity bacterium, which responds positively to (poly)phenols and may be partially responsible for the health benefits formerly attributed to these molecules. We surmise that (poly)phenols broad antimicrobial action free ecological niches occupied by competing bacteria, thereby allowing the bloom of beneficial gut bacteria. This review explores the capacity of (poly)phenols to promote beneficial gut bacteria through their direct and collaborative bacterial utilization and their inhibitory action on potential pathogenic species. We propose the term duplibiotic, to describe an unabsorbed substrate modulating the gut microbiota by both antimicrobial and prebiotic modes of action. (Poly)phenol duplibiotic effect could participate in blunting metabolic disturbance and gut dysbiosis, positioning these compounds as dietary strategies with therapeutic potential.

Exogenous Polyamines Influence In Vitro Microbial Adhesion to Human Mucus According to the Age of Mucus Donor

Adhesion to intestinal mucus is the first step for microbiota colonization in early life. Polyamines are polycations with important physiological functions in both procaryotic and eucaryotic cells. However, their role in intestinal mucus adhesion is not known. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether exogenous polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and their combination) would alter the adhesive properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Bifidobacterium animalis subs. lactis Bb12, Cronobacter sakazakii, and Escherichia coli. Human intestinal mucus was isolated from healthy infants (0-6-month-old and 6-12-month-old) and healthy adults (25-52 years old). Spermidine significantly increased Bb12 adhesion (p < 0.05) in the mucus of infants (0-6 months) but reduced the adhesion of LGG in adult mucus (p < 0.05) with no significant effect in any of the infant groups. Spermine was more effective than polyamine combinations in reducing C. sakazakii (p < 0.05) adhesion in early infant mucus (0-6 months). The adhesion ability of E. coli remained unaffected by exogenous polyamines at any age in the concentrations tested. Our data suggest that polyamines may modulate the bacterial adhesion to mucus depending on the bacterial strain and depending at what age the mucus has been generated.

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Cereals and Pseudocereals: Ancient Nutritional Biotechnologies with Modern Applications

Grains are a substantial source of macronutrients and energy for humans. Lactic acid (LA) fermentation is the oldest and most popular way to improve the functionality, nutritional value, taste, appearance and safety of cereal foods and reduce the energy required for cooking. This literature review discusses lactic acid fermentation of the most commonly used cereals and pseudocereals by examination of the microbiological and biochemical fundamentals of the process. The study provides a critical overview of the indispensable participation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the production of many traditional, ethnic, ancient and modern fermented cereals and beverages, as the analysed literature covers 40 years. The results reveal that the functional aspects of LAB fermented foods are due to significant molecular changes in macronutrients during LA fermentation. Through the action of a vast microbial enzymatic pool, LAB form a broad spectrum of volatile compounds, bioactive peptides and oligosaccharides with prebiotic potential. Modern applications of this ancient bioprocess include the industrial production of probiotic sourdough, fortified pasta, cereal beverages and "boutique" pseudocereal bread. These goods are very promising in broadening the daily menu of consumers with special nutritional needs.